The Private Sector Federation (PSF) in collaboration with Kigali City Council (KCC) launched an investor’s forum that will be addressing private business challenges. The Kigali Investors’ Forum (KIF) that brings together heads of private businesses and parastatals, security organs, development partner institutions, districts and government institutions, is to also highlight investment opportunities in and around the city. The PSF chairman, Robert Bayigamba, lauded its importance, adding that it is a positive advocacy for a conducive business environment. At the launch on Wednesday, April 28, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning James Musoni, said the investors’ forum simply fits into the Private Public Partnership (PPP) framework. “It brings together both government and private institutions to address socio-economic challenges that hinder the attainment of Vision 2020 objectives,” he explained. Musoni further said: “Kigali city should be a business city not an administrative city, aiming at turning into a commercial hub for both privat and public institutions.” Most of the business challenges are business opportunities, for example lack of a central sewage system in the city.” Musoni therefore urged the business community to take advantage of business opportunities and come up with business proposals that can be proposed to government for partnerships. City Mayor Dr. Aisha Kirabo said: “Efforts by various institutions that contribute to the development of Kigali City have been so scattered for long; all have the same vision of national development, taking private sector as an engine for Rwanda’s economic growth.” She added: “Through the KIF, all our efforts will be harmonized, so it is imperative that we work and plan together seeking answers to their business challenges.” Dr. Kirabo also revealed said the master plan submitted to the infrastructure ministry for approval will not only address Kigali city development challenges, but also has lots of embedded investment opportunities. Emmanuel Hategeka, the Secretary General of PSF briefed the Mayor about the concerns of city dwellers and investors. The concerns centered on, among other things, land registration, high cost of living and doing business in the city, infrastructure challenges like lack of sewage system, enough and reliable water supply and electricity, and uncontrolled street advertising. Investors also want to be given some hills and valleys around Kigali for development, and also want to be allocated special plots to develop clusters of economic activities such as carpentry and woodworks, crafts, artworks and shopping malls. However, the Kigali city officials alongside the Mayor explained how, through its framework and partner institutions, KCC is working on sustainable solutions. Ends
